Latin American > Cuban > Cuban Appetizers

Medianoche Tostones Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 green plantains
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb. sliced ham
- 1/2 lb. sliced Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles

Special equipment needed:
- Tostones press or heavy skillet
- Knife

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1/2 inch rounds.
2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Fry the plantains until they are golden brown on both sides.
4. Remove the plantains from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.
5. Using a tostones press or a heavy skillet, flatten the plantains.
6. Return the flattened plantains to the skillet and fry them again until they are crispy.
7. Remove the tostones from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.
8. In a small bowl, mix the yellow mustard and mayonnaise.
9. To assemble the sandwich, spread the mustard-mayonnaise mixture on one side of the tostone.
10. Add a slice of ham, a slice of Swiss cheese, and a few slices of pickles.
11. Top with another tostone and press down gently.
12. Repeat until all the tostones are used.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 28g
Carbohydrates per serving: 30g
Protein per serving: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of ham, use roasted pork or turkey.
- Instead of Swiss cheese, use cheddar or provolone.
- Instead of yellow mustard, use Dijon or honey mustard.

Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes or avocado to the sandwich.
- Use sweet plantains instead of green plantains.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using grilled vegetables instead.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the plantains are ripe but still firm.
- Use a tostones press for even flattening.
- Serve the sandwich warm for the best flavor.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover tostones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the tostones in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the tostones sandwich on a wooden board or platter with a side of plantain chips.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Pairings:
Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing mojito.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of black beans and rice or a simple green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tostones are too hard to flatten, try frying them for a shorter amount of time.
- If the sandwich is too dry, add more mustard-mayonnaise mixture.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the tostones thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
Medianoche Tostones are a popular Cuban sandwich made with crispy fried plantains instead of bread.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, salty, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Region: Cuban

Taste: Crispy, Salty, Sweet, Tangy, Savory